CN116889763A

CN116889763A - Frame for an air filter

Info

Publication number: CN116889763A
Application number: CN202310331618.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 迪姆切·库兹曼诺夫斯基
Original assignee: Kuzman Ip Co ltd
Current assignee: Kuzman Ip Co ltd
Priority date: 2022-03-31
Filing date: 2023-03-30
Publication date: 2023-10-17
Also published as: AU2023201932A1

Abstract

The present invention provides a frame for an air filter, comprising: a base defining a quadrilateral profile; a first pair of mutually opposed frame sides, each frame side extending upwardly and inwardly from a respective side of the first pair of mutually opposed base sides; and a pair of support members, each support member connecting a corresponding end of the first pair of opposed frame sides.

Description

Frame for an air filter

Technical Field

The present invention relates to frames, and more particularly to frames for air filters.

The invention has been developed primarily as a framework for supporting industrial or hospital grade air filters for use in domestic and commercial environments and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background

Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge.

Industrial and hospital grade air filters provide better filtration than standard household and commercial air filters. However, industrial and hospital grade filters are typically of a size that requires the use of special frames to allow them to be used in household or commercial style air grills.

Commercial and hospital grade filter frames of known types are made of plastics, metals or composite materials. They often require custom designs and constructions. They are costly to design and manufacture.

The known frames may require special accessories, such as support frames, to make them work. Metal frames may require large, sturdy frame support structures that are installed into a building before they can be used. This is necessarily difficult and dangerous. Sometimes, there may be insufficient space in the building to fit the frame support structure. The cost of designing and manufacturing special accessories can be substantial, making the use of industrial or hospital grade filters prohibitively expensive.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

It is an object of a preferred form of the invention to provide a frame for an industrial or hospital grade filter that is cost effective and easy to manufacture, does not require the use of heavy materials, does not require additional accessories or support structures, can be easily customized, and will support the use of industrial or hospital grade filters in commercial and domestic environments, industrial and hospital environments, and other environments.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a frame for an air filter, comprising:

a base defining a quadrilateral profile;

a first pair of mutually opposed frame sides, each frame side extending upwardly and inwardly from a respective mutually opposed side of the first pair of opposed base sides; and

a pair of support members, each support member connecting a corresponding end of a first pair of opposed frame sides.

Each support member preferably further comprises a respective frame side of a second pair of mutually opposed frame sides, each opposed frame side extending upwardly from the second pair of mutually opposed base sides.

The second pair of mutually opposed frame sides preferably extend inwardly and upwardly from the second pair of opposed base sides to define a generally trapezoidal pyramidal frame.

Each frame side of the first pair of mutually opposed frame sides preferably includes mutually opposed lips extending along the base or top, each lip extending toward the other lip.

Each frame side of the second pair of mutually opposed frame sides preferably includes mutually opposed lips extending along the base or top, each lip extending toward the other lip.

The mutually opposed lips preferably define a single lip around the inner periphery of the base or top.

The air filter support member preferably extends in a geometric pattern along the base or top from at least one frame side to at least another frame side.

The one or more air filter support members preferably extend in a geometric pattern along the base or top from at least one lip to at least one other lip.

Preferably, a support frame attachable to the top or base of the air filter frame is also included, the support frame corresponding in shape to the top or base.

The support frame preferably extends from at least one frame side.

The support frame preferably extends from at least one lip.

Preferably, the support frame comprises one or more air filter support members arranged in a geometric pattern.

The apex formed at the intersection of the base or top and each of the at least one set of mutually opposed frame sides preferably defines a respective tongue engageable with the groove.

The angle between the base and each of the at least one set of mutually opposed frame sides is preferably between 45 and 60 degrees.

The frame is preferably constructed of a unitary structure.

The air filter is preferably a micron-sized particulate filter.

The frame preferably supports the air filter and thus defines a framed air filter.

Preferably, the frame can be constructed of any one or more of the following materials:

paper;

a paperboard;

natural materials; and

synthetic material.

The one or more frame members are preferably connectable by any one or more of the following:

tabs and slots;

a tab and glue;

welding;

a U-shaped nail; and

and (5) a rivet.

Any one of the one or more frame members is preferably composed of sub-members.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cutter (cutoff) for forming a frame for an air filter, the cutter comprising:

a cross-shaped cutting member having a quadrangular opening at the center thereof;

a first lip defining an edge of the quadrilateral opening;

a first fold line between the lip and each leg of the cruciform cut;

a second fold line extending through each leg of the cross cut, the second fold line being parallel to the first fold line;

a second lip terminating each branch, an

At least one connecting tab located on a leg of a pair of adjacent legs such that when the cut piece is folded into shape, the legs can be connected to each other to form a generally trapezoidal prismatic frame.

The quadrilateral opening also includes one or more air filter support members preferably arranged in a geometric pattern extending from the cutoff.

The branches are preferably adapted such that when the cut-out forms a frame with a base and a top, the frame shape expands inwardly or outwardly from the opening.

Preferably, a support frame attachable to the air filter frame top or base is included, the support frame corresponding in shape to the air filter frame top or base.

The support frame of the top of the air filter frame preferably extends from at least one limb, the fold line depicting the support frame and the at least one limb.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for mounting a frame or framed air filter for an air filter into a grille, the method comprising the steps of:

selecting an air filter frame having a suitable angle between the base and each of at least one pair of inwardly extending, mutually opposed frame sides; and

the tongue of the frame is inserted into the corresponding groove of the grille.

The appropriate angle between the base and each of the at least one pair of mutually opposed upwardly and inwardly extending frame sides is preferably selected such that when the tongue is inserted into a corresponding groove of the grille, the tongue engages the inner side or edge of the corresponding groove, and each of the mutually opposed upwardly and inwardly extending sides engages the inner side or edge of each corresponding groove.

Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a frame for an air filter, showing the filter assembled within the frame;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a frame for an air filter;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a frame for an air filter;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a frame for an air filter, showing the filter assembled within the frame;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a frame for an air filter, showing the filter assembled within the frame;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a framed air filter installed into a grille;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a framed air filter mounted into a grille, the framed air filter top being shown with a filter support grid;

FIG. 8 is a template for a cut-out folded into a frame for an air filter, the branches of the cut-out shape shown expanding outwardly;

FIG. 9 is a template for a cut-out folded into a frame for an air filter, the branches of the cut-out shape shown expanding inwardly;

FIG. 10 is a template for a cut-out folded into a frame for an air filter, the template of the cut-out being shown with a frame support;

FIG. 11 is another template for a cut-out folded into a frame for an air filter, the template of the cut-out being shown with a frame support;

FIG. 12 is a template for folding into a cut-out for a frame of an air filter, the frame and frame support being shown with a lattice;

fig. 13 is another template for a cut-out folded into a frame for an air filter, the frame and frame support being shown with a lattice.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1, an air filter frame 1 is provided having a base 2 defining a quadrilateral profile. A first pair of mutually opposed frame sides 4 extends inwardly and upwardly from the chassis 2, each mutually opposed frame side 4 extending upwardly from a respective side of the first pair of mutually opposed chassis sides 6, thereby defining a top 8 outlining a quadrilateral shape. A pair of support members in the form of a second pair of mutually opposed frame sides 10 extend upwardly from the second pair of mutually opposed base sides 12. The second pair of mutually opposite frame sides 10 connects 14 the corresponding ends of the first pair of mutually opposite frame sides 4, thereby defining a trapezoidal prismatic air filter frame 1.

In a preferred embodiment, a second pair of mutually opposed frame sides 10 extends upwardly and inwardly from each respective one of the mutually opposed base sides 12, thereby defining a trapezoidal pyramid-shaped air filter frame 1, as best shown in fig. 1, 5, 6 and 7.

Referring to fig. 4, each of the pair of mutually opposed frame sides 4 and 10 (not shown) has a lip 18, the lip 18 extending along each respective opposed base side of the pair of base sides 6 and 12 of the base 2 and toward the mutually opposed lip 18 of the mutually opposed frame side of each pair of mutually opposed frame sides 4 and 10 (not shown).

In a preferred embodiment, a single lip 18 surrounds the inner periphery of the base 2.

As best shown in fig. 1, 5 and 6, the top 8 has a lip 16 around at least a portion of the inner periphery of the top 8.

In a preferred embodiment, the arrangement of the base 2 and top 8 and the corresponding lips 16 and 18 may be interchanged.

Referring to fig. 7, geometrically arranged support members 25 extend across the frame base 2 and/or top 8 from one side edge 4 and/or 10 or lip 16 and/or 18 to the other side edge 4 and/or 10 or lip 16 and/or 18 to support the air filter 24. In a preferred embodiment, the support member 25 defines a filter support grid. Fig. 11 and 12 show an exemplary geometrical arrangement of the support member 25, however, other arrangements are also possible, for example in the form of lines, circles, ellipses, grids, nets and any other pattern (not shown) deemed suitable. In a preferred embodiment, there may be only one support member (not shown).

In a preferred embodiment, the air filter frame has a support frame 27 that can be attached to the air filter frame base 2 (not shown) and/or the top 8. The support frame 27 is the same or similar in shape to the base 2 and/or the top 8.

In a preferred embodiment, the support frame 27 extends from one of the side pairs 4 or 10 or from a portion of the lip 16 or 18. The support frame 27 defines a foldable flap (or door) that can be closed over the air filter 24.

In a preferred embodiment, and still referring to fig. 7, geometrically disposed support members 25 extend across support frame 27 to support air filter 24 when the frame is closed over filter 24. The frame base 2 (not shown) or the top 8 to which the support frame 27 is attached or connected (or from which it extends) does not have geometrically arranged support members 25.

Referring now to fig. 6 and 7, the intersection of the quadrilateral base 2 and each of at least one pair of opposed frame sides 4 and/or 10 defines an apex in the form of a tongue 20. The angle between the plane defined by the base 2 and each of the at least one pair of mutually opposed frame sides 4 and/or 10 is preferably between 45 degrees and 60 degrees (not shown), but may be any suitable angle as desired. Tongue 20 is engageable with groove 21A of air filter grille 21.

Referring to fig. 8-13, in another aspect of the present invention, cross-shaped cuts 26A-26F are provided for folding into (and thus forming) an air filter frame 1. The cuts 26A to 26F have a centrally located quadrilateral opening 28. Branches 32 extend outwardly from each side of opening 28. The lip 16 surrounds the inner side of the quadrilateral opening 28 and a first fold line 30 is located between the lip 16 and each branch 32. A second fold line 34 extends through each branch 32 parallel to the first fold line 30. Each branch 32 terminates in a lip 35. One of the adjacent branches 32 has a connection tab 36 for connecting the branches together.

The cuts 26A to 26F may be shaped (and thus folded, assembled, etc.) along the fold lines 30 and 34 and the branches 32 that are adjacently connected by the tabs 36, forming a generally trapezoidal prismatic frame for the air filter 1 or a trapezoidal pyramidal frame for the air filter 1, depending on the shape of the cuts.

The cuts 26A, 26C, 26E and 26F shown in fig. 8, 10, 12 and 13 and the cuts 26B and 26D shown in fig. 9 and 11 differ in that when the selected cut is folded into a frame, the trapezoidal prism shape expands generally outwardly from the quadrilateral opening 28 in 26A, 26C, 26E and 26F and generally inwardly in the cuts 26B and 26D. Accordingly, the branches 26A, 26C, 26E and 26F and 26A and 26C differ in that they expand outwardly in 26, 26B, 26D, 26E and inwardly in 26B and 26D.

Referring to fig. 10-13, in a preferred embodiment, the trim pieces 26C-26F have a support frame 38 connected to a termination lip 35. Referring to fig. 12 and 13, the support frame 38 has geometrically arranged air filter support members shown in the form of grills 42A and 42B.

Referring to fig. 1-7 and 8-13, the frame for the air filter 1 and the cuts 26A-26F foldable into the air filter are a unitary structure 22.

The formed (and thus assembled, folded, etc.) cut pieces 26A-26E shown in fig. 1-7 or fig. 8-13 that house or support the air filter 24 may be referred to as a framed air filter or a framed filter.

The frame 1 and the cut pieces 26A to 26F may be constructed of a single material such as thick paper, cardboard, or any natural or synthetic material or a combination of these materials as desired. The components of the frame 1 (i.e., frame sides, lips, etc.) may be connected by tabs and slots, tabs and glue, welding, stabilizers, rivets, or any other suitable means (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the sides 4 and 10 are made of cardboard 2mm thick. In a preferred embodiment, the frame 1 is made of or coated with a waterproof or mold resistant material (not shown).

In another aspect of the invention, a method for mounting an air filter frame (or framed air filter) 1 into a grille 21, such as a return air conditioning grille 21, is provided. Fig. 6 shows a framed air filter 1 mounted into a grille 21.

The air filter frame 1 is selected, which air filter frame 1 has a suitable angle (not shown) between the base 2 and each of at least one pair of mutually opposite frame sides 4 and/or 10 extending inwardly towards each other. An angle is considered suitable if the tongue 20 of the air filter 1 is inserted into the corresponding groove 21A of the return air conditioning grille 21, the tongue 20 snugly engaging the inner side edge 21B of the corresponding groove 21A, and each upwardly and inwardly extending mutually opposite side edge of each pair 4 and (or 10, depending on the orientation) snugly engaging the edge 21C of each corresponding groove (or recess) 21A.

It will be appreciated that lips 16 and 18 help to provide support for the filter inside the frame and also provide structural rigidity during handling, installation, storage and transport.

In use, the frame for the air filter 1 is selected or specifically manufactured to suit the particular air return grille 21 and the particular type of filter (not shown) of a domestic or commercial HVAC system (not shown). The filter segments of the desired type (not shown) are cut or otherwise adapted to fit the selected or specifically manufactured frame 1 and then enclosed within the frame 1 to produce a framed air filter such as best seen in fig. 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7. The filter segments may be made of any suitable filter material, but are preferably made of industrial or hospital grade micron-sized particulate filters such as MERV8, MERV11 to 13 and M5, M6 or F7 (not shown).

Referring to fig. 8-13, the cuts 26A-26F for folding into the air filter frame 1 may advantageously be stored and transported without forming and flat packaging (not shown) for ease of transportation.

The framed air filter 1 shown in fig. 1-7 is assembled by mating a properly sized filter 24 with the cross-shaped cuts 26A-26F of fig. 8-13, folding the branches 32 of the cuts 26A-26F into the frame shape 1 across the filter 24, and then connecting each adjacent branch 32 to each other with tabs 36 by glue, welding, rivets, or any other suitable means. The filter 24 may be glued to the frame 1.

Referring to fig. 6 and 7, the size of the air filter frame 1 may be selected so that the air filter 24 may cover the opening of the target air conditioning return grill 21. The distance between the edges of the tongue 20 of the filter frame 1 is preferably slightly greater than the distance between the inner sides of the grooves 21A of the grille 21 to which the frame air filter 1 is intended to be fitted, ensuring a snug side fit between the frame 1 and the grooves 21A. In a preferred embodiment, there is also a snug vertical fit.

The angle between the base of the frame and each of the upwardly and inwardly extending mutually opposed frame sides of at least one pair 4 or 10 is selected such that when the tongue 20 is inserted or entered into the groove 21A of the grille 21, each of the upwardly and inwardly extending mutually opposed sides of at least one pair 4 or 10 can snugly engage the edge 21C of each corresponding groove 21A.

The framed air filter 1 is installed to filter air passing through the filter and return air grille 21. Because the installed frame 1 (or thus the framed air filter) fits snugly into the slot 21A of the grille 21 and is supported from multiple directions, the frame will resist the moving position in the event of being accidentally bumped or intentionally moved during use. Due to the structurally strong trapezoidal shape of the frame 1, the frame 1 is less likely to sag from the grille 21.

The filter frame 1 (and thus the assembled trim pieces 26 and 26A to 26E) may be used for other types of grids and to filter other gases.

The shape of the base 2 and the top 8 defining the filter frame 1 may be any quadrilateral shape, including square, rectangular, parallelogram, trapezoid, diamond or kite, as well as other shapes implemented in accordance with the spirit of the present invention. It should be understood that the opposite sides of the frame need not be parallel.

It should be appreciated that the air filter frame 1 of fig. 1-7 corresponds to the assembled (or formed) cuts 26A-26F of the corresponding fig. 8-13.

Those skilled in the art ("PSA") will appreciate that the frame component may be composed of sub-components.

It should be appreciated that the illustrated air filter frame is cost effective and simple to manufacture, does not require the use of heavy materials, does not require additional accessories or support structures, can be easily customized, and supports the use of industrial and hospital grade filters in commercial, home, and industrial and hospital environments.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

1. A frame for an air filter, the frame comprising:

a base defining a quadrilateral profile;

a first pair of mutually opposed frame sides, each frame side extending upwardly and inwardly from a respective side of the first pair of mutually opposed base sides; and

a pair of support members, each support member connecting a corresponding end of the first pair of opposed frame sides.

2. The frame for an air filter of claim 1, wherein each support member further comprises a respective frame side of a second pair of mutually opposing frame sides, each opposing frame side extending upwardly from the second pair of mutually opposing base sides.

3. The frame for an air filter of claim 2 wherein the second pair of mutually opposed frame sides extend upwardly and inwardly from the second pair of opposed base sides to define a generally trapezoidal pyramidal frame.

4. A frame for an air filter according to claim 3 wherein each frame side of the first pair of mutually opposed frame sides includes mutually opposed lips extending along the base or top, each lip extending towards the other lip.

5. A frame for an air filter according to claim 4 wherein each frame side of the second pair of mutually opposed frame sides includes mutually opposed lips extending along the base or top, each lip extending toward the other lip.

6. A frame for an air filter according to claim 5 wherein mutually opposed lips define a single lip around the inner periphery of the base or top.

7. A frame for an air filter according to claim 1 or 3, further comprising one or more air filter support members extending in a geometric pattern along the base or top from at least one frame side to at least another frame side.

8. A frame for an air filter according to any one of claims 4 to 7 further comprising one or more air filter support members extending in a geometric pattern along the base or top from at least one lip to at least one other lip.

9. The frame for an air filter of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a support frame attachable to the air filter frame top or base, the support frame corresponding in shape to the top or base.

10. A frame for an air filter according to claim 9 wherein the support frame extends from at least one frame side.

11. A frame for an air filter according to any one of claims 9 wherein the support frame extends from at least one lip.

12. A frame for an air filter according to any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein the support frame comprises one or more air filter support members arranged in a geometric pattern.

13. A frame for an air filter according to any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the apex formed at the intersection of the base or top and each of at least one set of mutually opposed frame sides defines a respective tongue engageable with a groove.

14. A frame for an air filter according to any one of claims 13 wherein the angle between the base and each of at least one set of mutually opposed frame sides is between 45 degrees and 60 degrees.

15. A frame for an air filter according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the frame is constructed of a unitary structure.

16. A frame for an air filter according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the air filter is a micron-sized particulate filter.

17. A frame for an air filter according to any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein the frame supports the air filter and thereby defines a framed air filter.

18. A frame for an air filter according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the frame is constructed from any one or more of the following materials:

paper;

a paperboard;

natural materials; and

synthetic material.

19. A frame for an air filter according to any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein one or more frame members are connectable by any one or more of:

tabs and slots;

a tab and glue;

welding;

a U-shaped nail; and

and (5) a rivet.

20. A frame for an air filter according to any one of claims 1 to 19 wherein any one of the one or more frame components is comprised of sub-components.

21. A trim for forming a frame for an air filter, the trim comprising:

a cross-shaped cutting member having a quadrangular opening at a center thereof;

a first lip defining an edge of the quadrilateral opening;

a first fold line between the lip and each leg of the cruciform cut;

a second fold line extending through each leg of the cruciform cut, the second fold line being parallel to the first fold line;

a second lip terminating each branch, an

At least one connecting tab located on a leg of a pair of adjacent legs such that when the trim is folded into shape, the legs can be connected to one another to form a generally trapezoidal prismatic frame.

22. The cutoff of claim 21 wherein the quadrilateral opening further comprises one or more air filter support members disposed in a geometric pattern extending from the cutoff.

23. A cutting member as claimed in claim 21 or 22, wherein the branches are adapted such that when the cutting member forms a frame with a base and a top, the frame shape expands inwardly or outwardly from the opening.

24. The cutoff of claim 23 further comprising a support frame attachable to the air filter frame top or base, the support frame corresponding in shape to the air filter frame top or base.

25. The cutoff piece according to claim 24, wherein a support frame of the air filter frame top extends from at least one branch, a fold line depicting the support frame and the at least one branch.

26. A cut piece according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the support frame comprises one or more air filter support members arranged in a geometric pattern.

27. A method for installing a frame or framed air filter for an air filter into a grille, the method comprising the steps of:

selecting an air filter frame having a suitable angle between the base and each of at least one pair of opposed, inwardly extending, opposed frame sides; and

28. A method for installing a frame or framed air filter for an air filter according to claim 27, wherein the appropriate angle between the base and each of at least one pair of mutually opposed upwardly and inwardly extending frame sides is selected such that when the tongue is inserted into a corresponding groove of the grille, the tongue engages the inner side or edge of the corresponding groove, each of the upwardly and inwardly extending mutually opposed sides engaging the inner side or edge of each of the corresponding grooves.